London-based Boots Pharmacist Yogesh Patel is encouraging those eligible for an NHS flu jab, which includes people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people with certain underlying health conditions, to book an appointment soon if they haven’t already.
Yogesh said: “Flu can make you feel very unwell and may pose a serious risk to those considered to be vulnerable, includes adults aged 65 and over and pregnant women. If you fall under one of these groups, you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab and I encourage you to book your appointment as soon as you can.
“The best time to have a flu jab is in the autumn, before the virus starts circulating widely. You can be vaccinated later in the winter although it’s better to get your jab as early as you can as it can take around two weeks to get optimum protection.”
NHS GP and This Morning resident doctor Dr Sara Kayat has joined Boots in encouraging all those eligible for a free NHS flu jab to book an appointment as soon as possible. Dr Sara, who gave birth to her second child in early October, got her free NHS flu jab at Boots in September while pregnant, highlighting its importance.
Dr Sara said: “It is recommended to have the flu vaccination annually. This is because the flu virus evolves and changes over time, so each year new vaccinations are developed to match the new flu strains. Also, your protection declines over time.”
“The flu vaccination shouldn’t hurt to have done, but you may feel slightly sore where your jab was injected. Other side effects include a slightly raised temperature, muscle aches or a headache, but these tend to be mild and only last for a day or so.”
Boots offers the free NHS flu jab at most of its stores including London Piccadilly Circus, London Covent Garden and London Brent Cross. To find out more and book a flu jab, visit boots.com/flu.
*The free NHS (or other locally funded) flu jab is available in most Boots pharmacies in England and Wales and in some Boots pharmacies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey. Also available in our Isle of Man pharmacy. Eligibility criteria apply and vary with locality. Subject to availability. Some people who do not meet the requirements for a free NHS (or other locally funded) flu jab in pharmacies can access the flu jab from their GP or in Scotland, at a vaccination centre. Speak to a member of our pharmacy team or see boots.com/flu for more details.
